Key Highlights
- On April 28, Genting launched NYC’s inaugural full-service casino at Resorts World Queens, situated adjacent to Aqueduct Racetrack
- The venue has transitioned from its slots-exclusive model since 2011 to now featuring live Baccarat, Blackjack, Craps, Roulette and Poker tables
- This marks the debut of three authorized casino operations, preceding Bally’s Bronx location and Hard Rock Metropolitan, both scheduled for 2030 launches
- The launch represents the initial stage of an ambitious $5.5 billion transformation project that will ultimately feature 6,000 slot machines, 800 gaming tables, over 30 dining establishments and 2,000 hotel accommodations
- Hip-hop artist Nas headlined the inaugural celebration following extensive advocacy efforts and legal proceedings that culminated in three casino authorizations granted in December 2024
New York City residents seeking authentic casino action no longer must venture beyond city limits to experience live table gaming. Genting’s Resorts World debuted the metropolis’s inaugural comprehensive casino facility in Queens on April 28.
The gaming establishment sits beside Aqueduct Racetrack, a venue slated for closure. Since 2011, Resorts World has maintained a slot machine-exclusive facility at this location.
The property now features live dealer table games spanning Baccarat, Blackjack, Craps, Roulette and Poker. Professional dealers staff the gaming floor, delivering the complete casino atmosphere patrons have anticipated.
Resorts World Queens stands as the inaugural venue among three establishments recently granted operating licenses by New York’s Gaming Commission. These authorizations were distributed in December of the preceding year.
The remaining two authorized properties include Bally’s planned Bronx development and Steve Cohen’s Hard Rock Metropolitan, also positioned in Queens. Both facilities are projected to commence operations in 2030.
Massive $5.5 Billion Transformation Underway
The present launch constitutes merely the opening phase of an expansive development initiative. The comprehensive transformation of the Aqueduct property commands an investment totaling $5.5 billion.
Upon completion, the entertainment destination will house 6,000 slot machines alongside 800 table games. The complex will additionally showcase more than 30 restaurant concepts and 2,000 hotel accommodations.
Queens native rapper Nas headlined the official launch festivities. He delivered his celebrated track “If I Ruled The World (Imagine That)” to the assembled audience.
Patrons attending the debut expressed enthusiasm about finally accessing genuine casino entertainment within city boundaries. One participant informed the New York Times that the energy exceeded other gaming venues due to the distinctly New York City character.
Another guest remarked that residents had anticipated this moment extensively. They noted that nobody prefers traveling two hours to reach casino facilities.
Extended Advocacy Campaign and Legal Challenges
The journey toward authorized casino operations in New York City proved lengthy and complex. State officials initially approved full-scale casino development within the city during 2013.
What ensued encompassed years of advocacy campaigns, legal disputes and public debate. Major gambling industry corporations competed intensely for one of merely three available authorizations.
Wynn Resorts, Caesars Entertainment and MGM Resorts International numbered among the contenders. These organizations invested tens of millions into advocacy initiatives.
Celebrity support factored significantly throughout the authorization process. Nas, Jay-Z and civil rights advocate Rev. Al Sharpton represented among the prominent personalities endorsing different proposals.
The rivalry intensified because opportunity remained restricted to only three authorizations across all of New York City. Every candidate recognized the metropolis as an enormous untapped gambling marketplace.
Community members and elected officials deliberated the advantages and concerns of introducing casino operations to the city throughout multiple years. The selection process attracted international gambling industry attention.
New York’s Gaming Commission ultimately distributed the three authorizations in December 2024. Resorts World proceeded most rapidly to launch live table gaming operations on April 28.
